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NIA reveals IM base in Rajasthan

New Delhi, Feb 24 IBNS | 1 year ago

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its second chargesheet, which was filed last week against Indian Mujahideen (IM)'s founder Yasin Bhatkal, has said the Islamist militant group has set up a new base in Rajasthan, media reports said on Monday.

"The National Investigation Agency's chargesheet against Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal reveals that the terror outfit has set up a new base in Rajasthan and recruited members 'highly motivated to carry out terror attacks'," NDTV reported.

"The group allegedly plans to target foreign tourists and has recced places in Delhi, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Goa," according to the chargesheet accessed by the news channel.

The NIA on Feb 20 filed its second chargesheet against Islamist militant group Bhatkal in connection with a case of alleged conspiracy to carry out terror acts in the country.

The NIA in a statement on Thursday said: "During the course of investigation, the active role of Yasin Bhatkal and Asadullah Akhtar, in the conspiracy and participation in major terrorist HQ-NIADT48 attacks at different parts in the country, was revealed. These included the major bomb blast incidents in Hyderabad (2007), Jaipur (2008), Delhi (2008), Ahmedabad and Surat (2008), German Bakery (2010), Chinnaswami Stadium, Bangalore (2010), Jama Masjid (2010), Sheetlaghat (2010), Mumbai (2011) and Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad (2013)."

"It is worth mentioning that Yasin Bhatkal was one of the most important member of IM who was involved in planning and execution of large number of blast cases in which more than 150 people were killed. He has very strong Jehadi mindset and involved in identifying, motivating, recruiting and training several youths in causing bomb blasts in the name of Jehad. He was instrumental in developing bases in Darbhanga, Ranchi, Samstipur, Goa, Mangalore etc. he had also received training in Pakistan for 60 days," read the statement.

Bhatkal's aide Asadullah Akhtar and two other suspected operatives of the banned group have also been named in the chargesheet.